News Summary
Dr. Ritesh Kalra, a 51-year-old physician from New Jersey, faces serious charges including unlawful opioid prescribing and sexual exploitation of patients. Allegations reveal he issued thousands of prescriptions without medical justification and solicited sexual favors from patients. Currently under home detention, Kalra also stands accused of health care fraud, raising ethical concerns in the medical community. The FBI seeks additional victims as the investigation continues, highlighting a critical need for accountability in healthcare practices.
Secaucus, New Jersey – A 51-year-old doctor of Indian origin, Dr. Ritesh Kalra, has been charged with unlawful opioid prescribing and the sexual exploitation of patients. The allegations against Kalra include issuing a high volume of prescriptions without legitimate medical justification and soliciting sexual favors from patients in exchange for these prescriptions.
Following a recent court hearing, Kalra has been placed under home detention with an unsecured bond of $100,000. His medical license has been suspended as a direct consequence of the ongoing investigation into his practices. Prosecutors allege that he exploited his license to manipulate vulnerable patients facing addiction issues.
Between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra allegedly prescribed over 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone. Reports indicate that these prescriptions were issued without any legitimate medical purpose. The accusations extend to soliciting sexual acts from female patients, with one woman alleging that Kalra forced her to engage in anal sex during a medical appointment.
Another disturbing allegation involves a patient who received opioid prescriptions while incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility, without any actual communication between the two. Such actions raise serious concerns regarding the ethics of Kalra’s medical practice.
In addition to the above charges, Kalra is also accused of committing health care fraud. Investigators uncovered instances of billing for non-existent appointments, referred to as “ghost appointments.” Court documents reveal that Kalra maintained electronic records with fabricated progress notes that were identical for multiple patients and conspicuously lacked vital signs.
Attorney Alina Habba, representing the state, highlighted the significant responsibilities physicians hold in their practice. She emphasized that Kalra allegedly used his position not only to fuel drug addiction but also to take advantage of vulnerable individuals for sexual favors. Furthermore, he has purportedly defrauded New Jersey’s public healthcare program.
The charges Kalra faces are serious and could lead to severe legal consequences. He is charged with five federal offenses, consisting of three counts for illegal drug distribution and two counts of health care fraud. Each charge of illegal drug distribution carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while each health care fraud charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison along with hefty fines.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively seeking anyone who may have been a victim of Dr. Kalra’s alleged actions or who possesses additional information regarding the ongoing case. Such outreach is critical to ensuring that any potential additional victims can come forward and receive the support they need as investigations continue.
The situation raises profound issues within the healthcare system, particularly regarding the ethical conduct of medical professionals and the importance of safeguarding patient welfare. As the case unfolds, authorities will continue to monitor and investigate the allegations against Kalra, ensuring that justice is served and that vulnerable patients are protected.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Jersey Physician Charged with Medical Fraud and Assault
Indian-Origin Doctor Faces Multiple Charges of Medical Fraud
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Medical Fraud in New Jersey
Indian-Origin Doctor Charged with Sexual Exploitation and Fraud
Doctor Charged with Opioid Distribution and Patient Exploitation
Additional Resources
- NDTV
- Wikipedia: Opioid epidemic in the United States
- Times of India
- Google Search: Ritesh Kalra
- Hindustan Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical Fraud
- MSN
- Google News: Medical Fraud
- Hudson County View
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
